09 November 2001
In an internal election this week, Bore beat his challenger David Williams by just five votes. His deputy Andy Howell also kept his position by a narrow margin.
After controversy surrounding Bore's steadfast campaign for a mayor to lead England's largest authority, he was widely expected to lose.
His re-election as leader opens the question of ministerial intervention after the city's consultative referendum on a mayor was inconclusive.
More than 100,000 residents (46.4%) voted in favour of a Cabinet with a leader, but 40% wanted a mayor with a Cabinet and 13.4% with a manager. Supporters claim that adding the two options together gives a clear majority in favour of a directly elected mayor.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions said the council had now submitted its new constitution and ministers were still considering it.
However, it is understood that the DTLR has already sent council officials a letter asking for further administrative clarification on the results of the referendum.
PFnov2001
